Loktak Downstream Project
Compensatioon to be reviewed : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 24: While disclosing that there was no mention on the land area that would be submerged under water in the detailed project report (DPR) of the Loktak Project, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has assured reviewing of the mode of payment of compensation and implementation of other rehabilitation programmes so as to look after grievances of those who were left out.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the occasion of distribution of economic packages to rehabilitate to fishermen who have been depending on cultivation of floating biomasses for their fishing activities as part of the project on conservation and management of Loktak lake and associated wetlands integrating Manipur river basin being taken up by LDA at Sendra today.

MLAs like M Manindra, T Mangibabu and Y Surchandra and Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh were also present at the occasion.

CM O Ibobi and his men inspecting the phumdi chocked Loktak Lake in the backdrop of the cleaning drive taken up at Nambul river

The Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who is also the chairman of LDA noted that a vast tract of land which were not flooded earlier if it was not rainy season have been submerged under water permanently following the commissioning of the Loktak Project.

However, the lake which is not only an important source for generation of electricity, but also an important tourist attraction, should be conserved and the DPR of the project should be reviewed to see what can be done for the affected people.

The Government alone would not be able to conserve the lake and the co-operation of all the people in this regard is essential, he added.

Stating that the economic packages being given to the fishermen are at the cost of their livelihood from catching fishes through cultivation of bio-masses but it does not meant that the fishermen are prohibited fishing in the lake at all, the Chief Minister said the Government would ensure that the fishermen can also carry on with their fishing activities through other means apart from cultivation of floating biomasses which is harmful to the environs of the lake.

The Chief Minister further said that after the completion of the ongoing exercise of removal of the floating bio-masses, action would be taken up against those fishermen who were found cultivating bio-masses.

While explaining the provisions laid down in the Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act in this connection, the Chief Minister stated categorically that he would not be able to consider the numerous memoranda submitted to him with the request for not including the activities of the people living in the catchment area of Loktak from the purview of the Act.

Following the case of appointment to over 500/600 employees in LDA on the sly instead of properly utilising over Rs 30 crores released during the 10th Five Year Plan, the Union Planning Commission had earlier sidelined from discussing any issues related the Loktak lake.

However, after sanctioning of Rs 350 crores under the Special Plan Assistance by the Commission, development of the Loktak lake has been resumed, the Chief Minister said, while appealing to the people living in the catchment area for co-operation in this regard.

Development of Takmupat as a regional water sports complex would also begin from the next financial year, the Chief Minister further informed, adding that the Government would also look into the possibility of setting up a ropeway in between Thanga and Karang.

In connection with Loktak Management Action Plan, Project Director of LDA Chongtham Gojendro said the DPR prepared by the Wetlands International South Asia has provisions for development of the catchment area of Loktak lake and water management.

Clearing of the bio-masses, improvement of the rivers flowing into the Loktak lake, prevention of siltation and promotion of eco-tourism, bio-diversity and sustainable development are part of the water management, he informed.

Out of the total 4800 bio-masses cultivated by the fishermen in Loktak lake, 800 have been removed so far and Rs 13,000 each have been given as economic package to 59 fishermen, the Project Director of LDA informed.

On the other hand, one fisherman identified as Moirangthem Sova of Thanga Moirangthem Leikai who received economic package during the function today has complaint that the amount of the economic package given to the fishermen is not enough.

From catching fishes, a fisherman can earn upto Rs 60,000 annually but it is not known how they would survive now, he added.